Chiefs Kingdom holding its breath after dangerous hit on Patrick Mahomes triggers referee controversy
Denver linebacker Nik Bonitto could still face discipline after controversial hit on Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes spent months fighting his way back from a torn ACL and LCL just to be ready for Week 1. His return ended with a comfortable Kansas City Chiefs victory, but one second-half hit now has the NFL facing a disciplinary decision.
Mahomes was attempting a short pass toward Travis Kelce when Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto arrived as the quarterback was going to the ground.
The pass fell incomplete, but replays appeared to show Bonitto making contact with Mahomes around the helmet area. Mahomes immediately looked toward the officials and gestured for a flag. None was thrown.
That spared Denver a 15-yard penalty in the moment, but the play is not necessarily finished from the league’s perspective. The NFL reviews game footage after every week and can issue fines even when officials don't penalize a player during the game.
Bonitto could still face punishment
NFL rules define roughing the passer as unwarranted physical contact against a player who is in a passing posture, including immediately after the ball is released.
The league will now determine whether Bonitto ’s hit crossed that line. If the NFL decides it did, a first roughing-the-passer offense carries a listed fine of $17,911. A second offense can result in a $23,882 fine.
That doesn't mean punishment is automatic. Bonitto wasn't flagged on the field, and the league’s review will determine whether there is enough evidence to impose discipline afterward. Those decisions are typically announced later in the week.
Mahomes looked comfortable
The controversy came during Mahomes ’ first regular-season game since suffering the serious left-knee injury that ended his previous campaign. He underwent surgery shortly afterward and spent the offseason rehabilitating with Week 1 as his target.
Mahomes wore a knee brace against Denver, but there was little indication that it was limiting him. He completed 15 of 27 passes for 184 yards, two touchdowns and one interception as Kansas City pulled away for a 31-10 victory over its AFC West rival.
The performance wasn't statistically dominant, but simply having Mahomes back on the field was significant for a Chiefs team that had spent the offseason waiting to see whether its franchise quarterback could return on schedule. He did.
The hit from Bonitto added one uncomfortable moment to an otherwise encouraging comeback. Kansas City now turns its attention to a Week 2 home game against the Indianapolis Colts .
Bonitto , meanwhile, will be waiting on a different kind of result. The officials decided there was nothing worth penalizing in real time. The NFL now gets another chance to make that judgment.
